The San Francisco 49ers have been a defensive powerhouse for the last few years. They have a galaxy of studs on that side of the football, and much of the credit for their defensive prowess goes to men such as defensive end Nick Bosa and middle linebacker Fred Warner.
One man who gets somewhat overlooked is safety Talanoa Hufanga. A fifth-round draft pick in 2021, he had a quiet rookie season, but the following year, he started to look like a legitimate star.
The 25-year-old is working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered late last season. But make no mistake about it: He is an integral part of the 49ers’ Super Bowl hopes.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report named Hufanga the team’s biggest X-factor heading into the 2024 season.
“The 2021 fifth-round pick has developed into a legitimate playmaker for the San Francisco defense and was a first-team All-Pro in 2022,” wrote Knox.
“Hufanga was arguably even better in his 10 games last season. He recorded three interceptions and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 60.1 in coverage. Unfortunately, Hufanga suffered a torn ACL in Week 11, and the defense wasn’t quite the same without him.
“Yes, it’s fair to wonder if San Francisco might have held off Kansas City in the Super Bowl with a healthy Hufanga in the secondary.”
In that outstanding 2022 season, Hufanga had nine passes defended, four interceptions, five tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks and 97 total tackles (66 solo). In doing so, he earned comparisons to Troy Polamalu, the Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers’ safety from the 2000s and early 2010s.
He isn’t just good in pass coverage — he has shown the ability to rush opposing quarterbacks as well, and overall, he’s an aggressive, hard-hitting defensive back.
The 49ers’ pass rush, which was savage in 2022, was often missing in action last year. Having Hufanga back to cover the defensive backfield could allow them to pressure opposing quarterbacks more aggressively.
Injuries have been a problem for them this summer. In particular, their offensive line and running backs have been banged up, and rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, their first-round draft pick who they have high hopes for, has missed most of training camp with multiple ailments.
On the other hand, multiple young defensive backs, including rookies Malik Mustapha and Renardo Green, as well as Deommodore Lenoir, have shown some growth and potential. As a result, there is tangible hope that San Francisco’s secondary will improve compared to last year.
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